Ontario Appoints New Representative in Washington

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Ontario Appoints New Representative in Washington

Monique Smith will promote Ontario’s interests in the United States

Premier Kathleen Wynne announced today that Ontario has appointed Monique Smith to represent the province at its office at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Smith will advise the Premier on U.S. matters of interest to Ontario. She will work to strengthen the province's relationship with the United States, its most important trading partner, and enhance Ontario's profile with senior government decision-makers and influential business leaders.

Businesses and workers in Ontario depend on free-flowing trade with the United States, and decisions made there on other issues such as air and water quality, climate change and border security affect the quality of life of all the people of this province.

Created in 2010, Ontario's office in Washington is part of the Ontario government's plan to make the province more competitive globally, help grow the economy and create more jobs.

Quick Facts

Monique Smith has served as Ontario’s Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Minister of Tourism and Minister of Revenue.

Ontario is catching up to some of its provincial counterparts - Alberta has had an office at the Canadian Embassy in Washington since 2004.

Other provinces, including Québec, Manitoba and Saskatchewan also have officials in Washington.

Ontario already has 10 marketing centres around the world, including three in the Canadian embassies in Paris, Mexico City and Beijing and standalone offices in New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Shanghai, New Delhi, Munich and London. A new centre will open in São Paulo in September.

Canada and the U.S. share the largest bilateral trading relationship in the world.

In 2012, Ontario exports to the U.S. were valued at $126.9 billion; imports from the U.S. were valued at $147.6 billion.

Additional Resources

Quotes

“A strong voice in Washington is key to Ontario’s future growth and I am thrilled that Monique has accepted this position. Her diverse experience serving the people of this province has equipped her with a unique understanding of what Ontario needs to prosper for generations to come. I am confident that her efforts in Washington will strengthen our relationship with our American partners to help us grow the economy and create more jobs here in Ontario.”